Manufacturer: Cartier Year: Circa 1970’s Case No: 53’670 Model Name: Tank “Reverso” Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 610, 19 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Cartier deployant clasp Dimensions: 32mm Length x 23mm Width Signed: Dial, case, movement and clasp signed
Catalogue Essay
When the term “Reverso” appears in a conversation, most would direct their vision to the iconic model from Jaeger LeCoultre. However, in 1930 Cartier developed and patented a similar system and named it the “Cabriolet Reverso” and later known as the “Basculante”.
It was not until the 1970’s that Cartier introduced the Tank Reverso, like the present example. Bearing a Paris dial, it signifies that the present example was sold by Cartier Paris. Seen on the wrist of one of and if not the most accomplished and iconic French actor, Mr. Alain Delon, the Cartier Tank Reverso is definitely an icon of its own.
With the Constitution of 1848 came a new standard for luxury in France. Founded one year prior by Louis-Francois Cartier, the house of Cartier was one of the first to use platinum in jewelry making. This incredibly expensive material became the stepping-stone for Cartier to experiment in form, mechanisms and attitude. It helped men move from pocket watches to wristwatches, effectively making the watch much more functional and prominent in a man's overall wardrobe.
Cartier did not only touch on functionality. Inspired by a commissioned painting by George Barbier featuring a black panther at the feet of an elegantly bejeweled woman, Cartier began incorporating wild animals in his designs—most notably, Cartier Panthère rings, bangle bracelets and watches. Yet it wasn't until the late 1960s that the house of Cartier debuted their iconic yellow and rose gold LOVE collection, which includes the famous bracelet that only a special screwdriver can open.